Certainly not the best TV to pass through our labs, but has more than adequate performance for the price

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This review was published on November 27, 2009. Since then, this product may have been discontinued or replaced. Pricing and availability may differ from what is stated in the review.

Connectivity

Connectivity Summary

Editorial Note: This is a review of the Vizio SV470XVT1A. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the SVxx0XVT1A series. The SVxx0XVT1A series includes the following models: SV420XVT1A and SV470XVT1A. Read here for more details on series differences.

{{article.attachments['Vizio-SV470XVT1A-vanity.jpg']}} • Has all the necessary ports • Terrible port placement in the back • No multimedia ports

The Vizio SV470XVT1A has a healthy number of input ports, spread across the back and the side. In total, you'll find: 4 HDMI ports, 2 composite video ports, 2 component video ports, an S-Video port, a VGA port, and 4 analog audio ports. There's also a USB port on the back, but it's a service port only and not for multimedia use.

The ports on the back, specifically, are 2 HDMI ports, 1 set of composite ports, 1 set of component ports, S-Video, VGA, and 3 analog audio ports. These ports are placed in a really bad spot. They're in the middle of the back and the base does not pivot. But you're not simply craning your entire body around to see them. The ports are also situated near the base of the TV, inside a crevice, pointing upwards. Vizio clearly knew that you can't see the ports, because they had to put a little map on the back indicating the name and location of each port.

The ports on the side include: 1 composite AV, 1 component AV, and 2 HDMI ports. These are much easier to reach, though you'll have to bear looking at the cables sticking rudely out the side of the TV.

On the other side of the TV, under the on-board controls, there's one additional and strange looking port, labeled 'TX Input.' This is for use with select 5.1-channel surround sound speakers that can plug right into a TV. Chances are, you won't use it.

Output Ports*(2.0)*

There are two output ports on the back of the Vizio SV470XVT1A, an analog audio out and a digital audio out. There's also the TX input on the side for connecting to select surround sound systems.

Other Connections*(0.0)*

There are no other connections on the Vizio SV470XVT1A.

Media*(0.0)*

The Vizio SV470XVT1A does not have any ports for multimedia playback.

Placement*(3.0)*

As we stated above, the port placement on the Vizio SV470XVT1A is terrible. What was Vizio thinking? The base of the TV doesn't pivot, and all the rear ports are placed in the middle of the back, all the way at the bottom, making it nearly impossible to see anything. Then, to compound the problem, the ports are actually hidden under a little divot. Basically, you take the cable in your hand, reach around back, and stab upward repeatedly until you hit the right jack. Vizio, we ask that you please consider basic human anatomy before you design your next round of products. Thanks.

Other Models in the SVxx0XVT1A Series

This is a review of the Vizio SV470XVT1A. The other sizes of HDTVs in this series should be similar in terms of performance and usability. For details about any differences, click on the image to jump to the Series Comparison page.

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Vizio SV420XVT1A 42 inches

Vizio SV470XVT1A 47 inches

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Where To Buy

VIZIO SV470XVT1A

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Where To Buy

VIZIO SV470XVT1A

Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. Our picks and opinions are independent from any business incentives.

Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. Our picks and opinions are independent from any business incentives.